Lettuce variety &#39;uppercut&#39;

ABSTRACT

New lettuce varieties designated ‘Dark Horse’, ‘Hotshot’, and ‘Uppercut’ are described. ‘Dark Horse’, ‘Hotshot’, and ‘Uppercut’ exhibit stability and uniformity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/905,241, filed Sep. 24, 2019, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of plant breeding. In particular,this invention relates to new lettuce, Lactuca sativa, varieties ‘DarkHorse’, ‘Hotshot, and ‘Uppercut’.

BACKGROUND

Lettuce is an increasingly popular crop. Worldwide lettuce consumptioncontinues to increase. As a result of this demand, there is a continuedneed for new lettuce varieties. In particular, there is a need forimproved lettuce varieties that are stable, high yielding, andagronomically sound.

SUMMARY

In order to meet these needs, the present invention is directed toimproved lettuce varieties.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactucasaliva, seed designated as ‘Dark Horse’ having ATCC Accession Number X1.In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca salivalettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘DarkHorse’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention isdirected to a Lactuca saliva plant and parts isolated therefrom havingall the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactucasativa plant produced by growing ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce seed having ATCCAccession Number X1. In still another embodiment, the present inventionis directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca saliva lettuce seed, plants grownfrom the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Dark Horse’ as aparent, where ‘Dark Horse’ is grown from ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce seedhaving ATCC Accession Number X1.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts oflettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads,lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovulesisolated from ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, thepresent invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Dark Horse’lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissueculture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selectinglettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce plant,where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC AccessionNumber X1; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present inventionis further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom,where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection methodof the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with aplant grown from ‘Dark Horse’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession NumberX1. In still another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g.,lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant isisolated by the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactucasaliva, seed designated as ‘Hotshot’ having ATCC Accession Number X2. Inone embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca salivalettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Hotshot’lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directedto a Lactuca saliva plant and parts isolated therefrom having all thephysiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactuca salivaplant produced by growing ‘Hotshot’ lettuce seed having ATCC AccessionNumber X2. In still another embodiment, the present invention isdirected to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca saliva lettuce seed, plants grown fromthe seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Hotshot’ as a parent,where ‘Hotshot’ is grown from ‘Hotshot’ lettuce seed having ATCCAccession Number X2.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts oflettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads,lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovulesisolated from ‘Hotshot’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, thepresent invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Hotshot’lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissueculture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of ‘Hotshot’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selectinglettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Hotshot’ lettuce plant,where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC AccessionNumber X2; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present inventionis further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom,where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection methodof the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with aplant grown from ‘Hotshot’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession Number X2.In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directedto lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g., lettuceheads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant is isolatedby the breeding method of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to lettuce, Lactucasaliva, seed designated as ‘Uppercut’ having ATCC Accession Number X3.In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Lactuca salivalettuce plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing‘Uppercut’ lettuce seed. In another embodiment, the present invention isdirected to a Lactuca saliva plant and parts isolated therefrom havingall the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Lactucasaliva plant produced by growing ‘Uppercut’ lettuce seed having ATCCAccession Number X3. In still another embodiment, the present inventionis directed to an F₁ hybrid Lactuca saliva lettuce seed, plants grownfrom the seed, and a head isolated therefrom having ‘Uppercut’ as aparent, where ‘Uppercut’ is grown from ‘Uppercut’ lettuce seed havingATCC Accession Number X3.

Lettuce plant parts include lettuce heads, lettuce leaves, parts oflettuce leaves, pollen, ovules, flowers, and the like. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to lettuce heads,lettuce leaves, parts of lettuce leaves, flowers, pollen, and ovulesisolated from ‘Uppercut’ lettuce plants. In another embodiment, thepresent invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Uppercut’lettuce plants, and to lettuce plants regenerated from the tissueculture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of ‘Uppercut’ lettuce plants.

The present invention is further directed to a method of selectinglettuce plants by: a) growing more than one ‘Uppercut’ lettuce plant,where the plants are grown from lettuce seed having ATCC AccessionNumber X3; and b) selecting a plant from step a). The present inventionis further directed to lettuce plants and seeds produced therefrom,where the lettuce plants and seeds are isolated by the selection methodof the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding lettuce plants by crossing a lettuce plant with aplant grown from ‘Uppercut’ lettuce seed having ATCC Accession NumberX3. In still another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to lettuce plants, lettuce parts from the lettuce plants (e.g.,lettuce heads), and seeds produced therefrom where the lettuce plant isisolated by the breeding method of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawings will be provided by the office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIGS. 1A-1G show lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1A shows a head oflettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1B shows a bottom view of a head oflettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1C shows a bottom view of heads oflettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1D shows plants of lettuce variety‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1E shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1F shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety‘Dark Horse’. FIG. 1G shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettucevariety ‘Dark Horse’.

FIGS. 2A-2W show comparisons between lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’,‘Showtime’, and ‘Greenbelt’. FIG. 2A shows heads of lettuce varieties‘Showtime’ (labeled PS1082, top) and ‘Dark Horse’ (bottom). FIG. 2Bshows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Showtime’ (labeledPS1082, top) and ‘Dark Horse’ (bottom). FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectionalview of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Showtime’ (labeled PS1082, top) and‘Dark Horse’ (bottom). FIG. 2D shows plants of lettuce varieties‘Showtime’ (labeled PS1082, top) and ‘Dark Horse’ (bottom). FIG. 2Eshows a bottom view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (labeledPS1082). FIG. 2F shows a head of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (labeledPS1082). FIG. 2G shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety‘Showtime’ (labeled PS1082). FIG. 2R shows plants of lettuce variety‘Showtime’. FIG. 2I shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’. FIG. 2Jshows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’. FIG. 2K showsa bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’. FIG. 2L shows across-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’. FIG. 2Mshows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’. FIG. 2N showsa bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’. FIG. 2O shows across-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’. FIG. 2Pshows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and‘Showtime’ (bottom). FIG. 2Q shows a top view of heads of lettucevarieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Greenbelt’ (bottom). FIG. 2R shows abottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and‘Showtime’ (bottom). FIG. 2S shows a bottom view of heads of lettucevarieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Greenbelt’ (bottom). FIG. 2T shows across-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top)and ‘Showtime’ (bottom). FIG. 2U shows a cross-sectional view of headsof lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Greenbelt’ (bottom). FIG.2V shows harvest-mature outer leaves of lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’(top) and ‘Showtime’ (bottom). FIG. 2W shows harvest-mature outer leavesof lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’ (top) and ‘Greenbelt’ (bottom).

FIGS. 3A-3H show lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3A shows a bottom viewof heads of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ (labeled 14RDSJV009-2). FIG. 3Bshows a plant of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3C shows seedlings oflettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3D shows plants of lettuce variety‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3E shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3F shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3G shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettucevariety ‘Hotshot’. FIG. 3H shows a harvest-mature outer leaf of lettucevariety ‘Hotshot’.

FIGS. 4A-4AA show comparisons between lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’, ‘ElGuapo’, ‘Caretaker’ (labeled PS1080), and ‘Raider’. FIG. 4A shows plantsof lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (left) and ‘El Guapo’ (right). FIG. 4Bshows a bottom view of heads of lettuce of variety ‘Caretaker’ (labeledPS1080). FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettuce ofvarieties ‘Hotshot’ (labeled 14RDSJV009-2, bottom) and ‘Caretaker’(labeled PS1080, top). FIG. 4D shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Raider’.FIG. 4E shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4F showsseedlings of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4G shows seedlings oflettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4H shows plants of lettuce variety‘Raider’. FIG. 4I shows plants of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4Jshows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4K shows abottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4L shows across-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4Mshows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4N showsa bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4O shows across-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. FIG. 4Pshows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (left) and‘Caretaker’ (right). FIG. 4Q shows a top view of heads of lettucevarieties ‘Hotshot’ (left) and ‘Raider’ (right). FIG. 4R shows a bottomview of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (right) and ‘Raider’(left). FIG. 4S shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties‘Hotshot’ (right) and ‘Caretaker’ (left). FIG. 4T shows a side view ofheads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (right) and ‘Raider’ (left). FIG.4U shows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (right) and‘Caretaker’ (left). FIG. 4V shows a top view of heads of lettucevarieties ‘Hotshot’ (right) and ‘Raider’ (left). FIG. 4W shows a topview of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (right) and ‘Caretaker’(left). FIG. 4X shows a cross-sectional view of heads of lettucevarieties ‘Hotshot’ (top) and ‘Caretaker’ (bottom). FIG. 4Y shows across-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Hotshot’ (top) and‘Raider’ (bottom). FIG. 4Z shows a harvest-mature outer leaf of lettucevariety ‘Raider’. FIG. 4AA shows a harvest-mature outer leaf of lettucevariety ‘Caretaker’.

FIGS. 5A-5E show lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’. FIG. 5A shows a bottom andcross-sectional view of heads of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’(14RDSJV013-1). FIG. 5B show plants of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’. FIG.5C shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’. FIG. 5Dshows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’. FIG. 5Eshows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’.

FIGS. 6A-6R show comparisons between lettuce varieties ‘Uppercut’,‘Headmaster’, and ‘Thunderhead’. FIG. 6A show plants of lettuce variety‘Headmaster’. FIG. 6B show plants of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’. FIG.6C shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’. FIG. 6Dshows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’. FIG. 6Eshows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’.FIG. 6F shows a top view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’. FIG.6G shows a bottom view of a head of lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’. FIG.6H shows a cross-sectional view of a head of lettuce variety‘Headmaster’. FIG. 6I shows a top view of heads of lettuce varieties‘Thunderhead’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6J shows a top view ofheads of lettuce varieties ‘Headmaster’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom).FIG. 6K shows a bottom view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Thunderhead’(top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6L shows a bottom view of heads oflettuce varieties ‘Headmaster’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6Mshows a side view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Thunderhead’ (top) and‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6N shows a side view of heads of lettucevarieties ‘Headmaster’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6O shows across-sectional view of heads of lettuce varieties ‘Thunderhead’ (left)and ‘Uppercut’ (right). FIG. 6P shows a cross-sectional view of heads oflettuce varieties ‘Headmaster’ (left) and ‘Uppercut’ (right). FIG. 6Qshows harvest-mature outer leaves of lettuce varieties ‘Thunderhead’(top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom). FIG. 6R shows harvest-mature outer leavesof lettuce varieties ‘Headmaster’ (top) and ‘Uppercut’ (bottom).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

In order to more clearly understand the invention, the followingdefinitions are provided:

Core Diameter: Core diameter is the diameter of the lettuce stem at thebase of the cut head.

Core Length: Core length is the length of the vertically sliced lettuceplant as measured from the base of the cut stem to the top of the apex(growing point).

Fusarium Wilt: Fusarium wilt of lettuce is a disease caused by thefungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae that causes infected seedlingsto wilt, and turn red or brown in color in inner tissues, and causesleaves of infected older plants to turn yellow and develop tip burn.

Head Diameter: Head diameter is the diameter of the vertically slicedlettuce plant head at its widest horizontal point, perpendicular to thestem.

Head Length: Head length is the diameter of the vertically slicedlettuce plant head as measured from the base of the cut stem to the capleaf.

Head Weight: Head weight is the weight of the marketable lettuce plant,cut and trimmed to market specifications.

Heart Length: Heart length is the length of the vertically slicedlettuce plant as measured from the base of the cut stem to the top leafmargin of the longest outermost leaf that encloses the green leaf heart.

Lettuce Mosaic Virus: A disease that can cause a stunted, deformed, ormottled pattern in young lettuce and yellow, twisted, and deformedleaves in older lettuce.

Maturity Date: Maturity refers to the stage when the plants are of fullsize or optimum weight, in marketable form or shape to be of commercialor economic value.

Munsell: Munsell refers to the Munsell Color Chart, which uses theMunsell color system.

Nasonovia ribisnigri: A lettuce aphid that colonizes the innermostleaves of the lettuce plant, contaminating areas that cannot be treatedeasily with insecticides.

Plant Diameter: The plant diameter is a measurement across the top ofthe lettuce plant at its widest point. The measurement of frame diameteris taken from the outer most leaf tip horizontally to the outer mostleaf tip.

Tip burn: Means a browning of the edges or tips of lettuce leaves thatis a physiological response to a lack of calcium.

Taking into account these definitions, the present invention is directedto seeds of the lettuce varieties ‘Dark Horse’, ‘Hotshot’, and‘Uppercut’, plants produced by growing ‘Dark Horse’, ‘Hotshot’, and/or‘Uppercut’ lettuce seeds, heads isolated or harvested from the plants,one or more plants selected from a collection of ‘Dark Horse’,‘Hotshot’, and/or ‘Uppercut’ plants and seeds derived or producedtherefrom; plants produced by crossing a lettuce plant with a ‘DarkHorse’, ‘Hotshot’, and/or ‘Uppercut’ lettuce plant and seeds derived orproduced therefrom.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Dark Horse’

‘Dark Horse’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This varietyis distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to itslarger frame and larger head diameter. Moreover, ‘Dark Horse’ has agrowing season that includes autumn and winter, is suitable forcultivation in the open, and is adapted to growing in regions in theSouthwest, such the Arizona desert, as well as the West Coast regions ofthe United States. FIGS. 1A-1G depict heads and plants of lettucevariety ‘Dark Horse’. Lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ is the result ofnumerous generations of plant selections chosen for its increasedweight.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘Dark Horse’.

Lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ has the following morphologic and othercharacteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg)

Seed:

Color: Munsell 5YR 3/2 (Black)

Light dormancy: Light not required

Heat dormancy: Susceptible

Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:

Shape of cotyledons: Broad

Shape of fourth leaf: Oval

Apical margin: Crenate/gnawed

Basal margin: Coarsely dentate

Green color: Medium green

Anthocyanin distribution: Absent

Cupping: Slight

Reflexing: None

Mature leaves:

Margin:

-   -   Incision depth: Moderate    -   Indentation: Crenate    -   Undulation of apical margin: Strong

Green color: Munsell 5GY 5/6 (Medium green)

Anthocyanin distribution: Absent

Leaf glossiness: Dull

Blistering: Moderate

Leaf thickness: Intermediate

Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

Spread of frame leaves: 48.5 cm

Head diameter (market trimmed with single cap leaf): 16.2 cm

Head shape: Spherical

Head size class: Large

Head firmness: Firm

Butt:

Butt shape: Rounded

Midrib: Moderately raised

Core:

Core diameter at base of head: 31.6 mm

Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 5.1

Core height from base of head to apex: 38.6 mm

Bolting:

Number of days from first water to seed stalk emergence under summerconditions: 72 days

Bolting class: Medium

Mature seed stalk height: 117 cm

Mature seed stalk spread: 42.8 cm

Spread of bolter plant at widest point: 32.3 cm

Bolter leaves: Curved

Margin: Dentate

Bolter habit:

Terminal inflorescence: Present

Lateral shoots: Present

Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease Resistance:

Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18, Bl:20-27,Bl:29-131:31, and Bl:33

Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Big Vein Virus: Susceptible

Powdery Mildew: Susceptible

Pest Resistance:

Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible

Stress Resistance:

Heat: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible

Cold: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible

Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 1A below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’with the lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (PVP Certificate No. 200700432).Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristicsfor lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’, and column 3 shows the characteristicsfor lettuce variety ‘Showtime’.

TABLE 1A Characteristic ‘Dark Horse’ ‘Showtime’ Frame size Larger frameSmaller frame Weight Increased weight Decreased weight Head diameterIncreased head diameter Decreased head diameter

Table 1B below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’with the lettuce variety ‘Showtime’. Column 1 lists the characteristics,column 2 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’, andcolumn 3 shows the characteristics for lettuce variety ‘Showtime’.

TABLE 1B Characteristic ‘Dark Horse’ ‘Showtime’ Mature seed stalk height117 cm 103.4 cm Mature seed stalk spread 42.8 cm  54.8 cm Spread ofbolter plant at 32.3 cm  33.5 cm widest point

Table 1C below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’with the lettuce varieties ‘Showtime’ and ‘Greenbelt’. Column 1 liststhe characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics for lettucevariety ‘Dark Horse’, column 3 shows the characteristics for lettucevariety ‘Showtime’, and column 4 shows the characteristics for lettucevariety ‘Greenbelt’.

TABLE 1C Characteristic ‘Dark Horse’ ‘Showtime’ ‘Greenbelt’ Spread offrame 48.5 cm 44.5 cm 45.3 cm leaves Head weight 751.5 g 639.1 g 643.3 gHead diameter 161.5 mm 132.7 mm 140.2 mm (market trimmed with single capleaf) Core diameter at 31.6 mm 31.9 mm 32.3 mm base of head Core heightfrom 38.6 mm 32.1 mm 31.4 mm base of head to apex Ratio of head 5.1 4.24.34 diameter/core diameter Color of mature 5GY 5/6 5GY 5/6 5GY 5/10outer leaves (Munsell)

Tables 2A and 2B below show results of a trial that compares the headweight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ (Table 2A) with those of20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (Table 2B).

TABLE 2A ‘Dark Head Head Core Core Frame Horse’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 635 g    182 mm   43 mm   34 mm  61.5 cm Min 500 g   139 mm   21 mm   28 mm  45.5 cm Average 555 g 161.05 mm 31.85 mm30.55 mm 56.58 cm Std. Dev 36.99 13.79 5.25 1.61 4.06

TABLE 2B ‘Showtime’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 450 g   151 mm   28 mm   30 mm  51.5 cm Min 350 g  132 mm   14 mm   25 mm  42.5 cm Average 406 g 141.1 mm 20.95 mm 27.4mm 46.83 cm Std. Dev 26.88 6.26 3.69 1.57 2.83

Tables 2C-2E below show results of a first trial that compares the headweight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ (Table 2C) with those of20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (Table 2D) and 20 plants oflettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’ (Table 2E).

TABLE 2C ‘Dark Head Head Core Core Frame Horse’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 1450 g    170 mm   73 mm   40 mm   55 cm Min 410 g   119 mm   29 mm   26 mm   38 cm Average 950 g 143.15 mm 50.25 mm 32.35mm 47.3 cm Std. Dev 254.71 13.26 13.93 3.80 4.96

TABLE 2D ‘Showtime’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 1170 g    142 mm   55 mm   41 mm   47 cm Min 595 g   104 mm   21 mm   27 mm   37 cm Average 802.5 g 117.25 mm 32.25 mm33.2 mm 42.4 cm Std. Dev 150.01 10.23 8.19 3.17 3.14

TABLE 2E ‘Greenbelt’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 1040 g   140 mm   60 mm    40 mm   51 cm Min 555 g  110 mm   20 mm    28 mm   37 cm Average 810.75 g 125.1 mm 41.55 mm34.05 mm 44.5 cm Std. Dev 125.52 10.49 10.26 4.08 4.73

Tables 2F-2H below show results of a second trial that compares the headweight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ (Table 2F) with those of20 plants of lettuce variety ‘Showtime’ (Table 2G) and 20 plants oflettuce variety ‘Greenbelt’ (Table 2H).

TABLE 2F ‘Dark Horse’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 700 g   195 mm 34 mm   34 mm   53 cm Min 385 g   166mm 21 mm   25 mm   46 cm Average 553 g 179.8 mm 27 mm 30.75 mm 49.7 cmStd. Dev 97.54 7.43 3.18 2.07 1.75

TABLE 2G ‘Showtime’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 620 g   158 mm   43 mm   34 mm   50 cm Min 390 g  138 mm   21 mm   28 mm   42 cm Average 475.75 g 148.1 mm 31.85 mm30.55 mm 46.5 cm Std. Dev 71.90 6.41 5.25 1.61 2.24

TABLE 2H ‘Greenbelt’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 615 g   167 mm   28 mm   34 mm   50 cm Min 355 g  143 mm   15 mm   28 mm   43 cm Average 475.75 g 155.3 mm 21.3 mm 30.55mm 46.5 cm Std. Dev 77.09 6.91 3.50 1.85 1.82

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of thevarieties ‘Dark Horse’, ‘Showtime’, and ‘Greenbelt’ depicted in FIGS.2A-2W.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Hotshot’

‘Hotshot’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This variety isdistinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to itsearlier maturing time, smaller stem length, darker green color, improvedtexture, larger head diameter, larger core diameter, and increasedweight. Moreover, ‘Hotshot’ has a growing season that includes autumn,is suitable for cultivation in the open, and is adapted to growing inregions in the Southwest, such the Arizona desert, of the United States.FIGS. 3A-3H depict heads, plants, seedlings, and a harvest-mature outerleaf of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’. Lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ is theresult of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for itsintermediate resistance to Fusarium Wilt race 1.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘Hotshot’.

Lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ has the following morphologic and othercharacteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg)

Seed:

Color: Munsell 2.5Y7/2 (White)

Seed light dormancy: Light not required

Heat dormancy: Susceptible

Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:

Shape of cotyledons: Intermediate

Shape of fourth leaf: Elongated

Apical margin: Entire

Basal margin: Finely dentate

Green color: Medium green

Anthocyanin distribution: Absent

Cupping: Slight

Reflexing: None

Mature leaves:

Margin:

-   -   Incision depth: Moderate    -   Indentation: Deeply dentate    -   Undulation of apical margin: Strong

Green color: Munsell 5GY 5/6 (Medium green)

Anthocyanin distribution: Absent

Leaf glossiness: Glossy

Blistering: Moderate

Leaf thickness: Intermediate

Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

Spread of frame leaves: 50.8 cm

Head diameter (market trimmed with single cap leaf): 14.4 cm

Head shape: Spherical

Head size class: Medium

Head firmness: Firm

Butt:

Butt shape: Rounded

Midrib: Moderately raised

Core:

Core diameter at base of head: 30.1 mm

Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 4.8

Core height from base of head to apex: 26.8 mm

Bolting:

Number of days from first water to seed stalk emergence under summerconditions: 74

Bolting class: Medium

Mature seed stalk height: 107 cm

Mature seed stalk spread: 50.9 cm

Spread of bolter plant at widest point: 37.4 cm

Bolter leaves: Curved

Margin: Dentate

Bolter habit:

-   -   Terminal inflorescence: Absent    -   Lateral shoots: Present    -   Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease Resistance:

Big Vein Virus: Susceptible

Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18, Bl:20-27,Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33

Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae) race 1: Intermediateresistant

Pests:

Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (Nr:0): Susceptible

Stress Resistance:

Tipburn: Susceptible

Heat: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible

Cold: Susceptible

Pink rib: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible

Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 3A below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’with the lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’ (PVP Certificate No. 201000303).Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristicsfor lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’, and column 3 shows the characteristicsfor lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’. Texture refers to resilient and crispleaf thickness at the proper maturity of harvest.

TABLE 3A Characteristic ‘Hotshot’ ‘Caretaker’ Maturing time Earliermaturing Later maturing Stem length Shorter stem length Longer stemlength Green color Darker green color Lighter green color Texture Moretextured Less textured

Table 3B below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’with the lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’ (PVP Certificate No. 201000303) andlettuce variety ‘Raider’ (PVP Certificate No. PVP 8900281). Column 1lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristics forlettuce variety ‘Hotshot’, column 3 shows the characteristics forlettuce variety ‘Caretaker’, and column 4 shows the characteristics forlettuce variety ‘Raider’.

TABLE 3B Characteristic ‘Hotshot’ ‘Caretaker’ ‘Raider’ Spread of frame50.8 cm 50.3 cm 51.9 cm leaves Head weight 611.7g 551g 570.3 g Headdiameter 144.1 mm 138.4 mm 140.5 mm (market trimmed with single capleaf) Core diameter at 30.1 mm 29.5 mm 29.6 mm base of head Core heightfrom 26.8 mm 27.8 mm 29.6 mm base of head to apex Ratio of head 4.8 4.74.8 diameter/core diameter Color of mature 5GY 5/6 5GY 5/8 5GY5/10 outerleaves (Munsell)

Tables 4A-4C below show results of a first trial that compares the headweight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ (Table 4A) with those of 20plants of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’ (Table 4B) and 20 plants ofvariety ‘Raider’ (Table 4C).

TABLE 4A ‘Hotshot’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 710g   163 mm   40 mm    39 mm   54 cm Min 480 g  124 mm   28 mm    32 mm   46 cm Average 609.25 g 144.9 mm 33.5 mm35.85 mm 50.4 cm Std. Dev 66.89 10.15 3.22 2.03 2.35

TABLE 4B ‘Caretaker’ Head Wt. Head Diameter Core Length Core DiameterFrame Diameter Max 640 g   151 mm    39 mm    39 mm    54 cm Min 420 g  124 mm    25 mm    32 mm    46 cm Average 521.5 g 138.9 mm 31.85 mm34.35 mm 49.55 cm Std. Dev 67.44 7.82 3.62 1.53 2.42

TABLE 4C Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Raider’ Wt. Diameter Length DiameterDiameter Max 615 g 152 mm 40 mm 39 mm 57 cm Min 370 g 124 mm 29 mm 32 mm48 cm Average 486 g 138.35 mm 34.5 mm 35.2 mm 52.3 cm Std. Dev 68.207.05 3.38 2.00 2.27

Tables 4D-4F below show results of a second trial that compares the headweight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ (Table 4D) with those of 20plants of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’ (Table 4E) and 20 plants ofvariety ‘Raider’ (Table 4F).

TABLE 4D Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Hotshot’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 815 g 149 mm 34 mm 37 mm 59 cm Min 550 g 125 mm 22mm 28 mm 51 cm Average 659.25 g 137.9 mm 28.9 mm 32.55 mm 54.65 cm Std.Dev 67.34 7.38 3.37 2.24 2.46

TABLE 4E Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Caretaker’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 710g 149 mm 33 mm 34 mm 59 cm Min 425 g 117 mm 24mm 27 mm 51 cm Average 567.25 g 130.95 mm 28.45 mm 31.35 mm 54.05 cmStd. Dev 81.10 8.33 2.96 1.98 2.26

TABLE 4F Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Raider’ Wt. Diameter Length DiameterDiameter Max 930 g 151 mm 38 mm 37 mm 61 cm Min 485 g 116 mm 24 mm 29 mm52 cm Average 630.75 g 134.1 mm 30.35 mm 33.45 mm 57.1 cm Std. Dev115.84 9.27 3.69 2.21 2.49

Tables 4G-4F below show results of a third trial that compares the headweight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ (Table 4G) with those of 20plants of lettuce variety ‘Caretaker’ (Table 4H) and 20 plants ofvariety ‘Raider’ (Table 41).

TABLE 4G Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Hotshot’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 680 g 175 mm 21 mm 25 mm 50 cm Min 460 g 132 mm 15mm 20 mm 44 cm Average 566.5 g 149.6 mm 17.9 mm 21.95 mm 47.45 cm Std.Dev 55.13 11.97 1.52 1.39 1.57

TABLE 4H Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Caretaker’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 640 g 156 mm 26 mm 25 mm 51 cm Min 490 g 132 mm 19mm 21 mm 43 cm Average 564.25 g 145.3 mm 23 mm 22.9 mm 47.45 cm Std. Dev43.93 8.49 1.97 0.91 1.93

TABLE 4I Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Raider’ Wt. Diameter Length DiameterDiameter Max 680 g 176 mm 26 mm 23 mm 50 cm Min 470 g 130 mm 20 mm 16 mm43 cm Average 594 g 149.05 mm 24 mm 20 mm 46.35 cm Std. Dev 63.07 11.201.72 2.08 2.01

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of thevarieties ‘Hotshot’, ‘El Guapo’, ‘Caretaker’, and ‘Raider’ depicted inFIGS. 4A-4AA.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Uppercut’

‘Uppercut’ is an open-pollinated iceberg lettuce variety. This varietyis distinct and unique to all other iceberg lettuce varieties due to itsearlier maturing time, larger frame, larger head diameter, and increasedweight. Moreover, ‘Uppercut’ has a growing season that includes winter,spring, and summer, is suitable for cultivation in the open, and isadapted to growing in regions in the Southwest, such the Arizona desert,as well as the West Coast regions of the United States. FIGS. 5A-5Edepict heads and plants of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’. Lettuce variety‘Uppercut’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selectionschosen for its resistance to Fusarium Wilt race 1.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘Uppercut’.

Lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ has the following morphologic and othercharacteristics:

Plant type: Crisp (i.e., iceberg)

Seed:

Color: Munsell 5YR 4/2 (Black)

Seed light dormancy: Light not required

Heat dormancy: Susceptible

Cotyledon to fourth leaf stage:

Shape of cotyledons: Spatulate

Shape of fourth leaf: Elongated

Apical margin: Finely dentate

Basal margin: Moderately dentate

Green color: Medium green

Anthocyanin distribution: Absent

Cupping: Slight

Reflexing: Apical margin

Mature leaves:

Margin:

-   -   Incision depth: Moderate    -   Indentation: Crenate    -   Undulation of apical margin: Moderate

Green color: Munsell 5GY 5/8 (Medium green)

Anthocyanin distribution: Absent

Leaf glossiness: Dull

Blistering: Moderate

Leaf thickness: Thick

Trichomes: Absent (smooth)

Plant:

Spread of frame leaves: 49.8 cm

Head diameter (market trimmed with single cap leaf): 14.5 cm

Head shape: Spherical

Head size class: Large

Head firmness: Firm

Butt:

Butt shape: Rounded

Midrib: Moderately raised

Core:

Core diameter at base of head: 32.3 min

Ratio of head diameter/core diameter: 4.5

Core height from base of head to apex: 37.1 mm

Bolting:

Number of days from first water to seed stalk emergence under summerconditions: 69 days

Bolting class: Medium

Mature seed stalk height: 127.4 cm

Mature seed stalk spread: 46 cm

Spread of bolter plant at widest point: 33.9 cm

Bolter leaves: Curved

Margin: Entire

Bolter habit:

-   -   Terminal inflorescence: Present

Lateral shoots: Present

Basal side shoots: Absent

Disease Resistance:

Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) (Bl): Susceptible to Bl:16-18, Bl:20-27,Bl:29-Bl:31, and Bl:33

Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) strain Ls-1: Susceptible

Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae) race 1: Resistant

Big Vein Virus: Susceptible

Powdery Mildew: Susceptible

Corky Root Rot: Susceptible

Pest Resistance:

Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 0 (N:0): Susceptible

Stress Resistance:

Tipburn: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible

Heat: Susceptible

Cold: Susceptible

Pink rib: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible

Rusty brown discoloration: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible

Internal rib necrosis: Moderately resistant/moderately susceptible

Comparisons to Other Lettuce Variety

Table 5A below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’with the lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’ (PVP Certificate No. 9800023).Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristicsfor lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’, and column 3 shows the characteristicsfor lettuce variety ‘Telluride’.

TABLE 5A Characteristic ‘Uppercut’ ‘Headmaster’ Maturing time Earliermaturing Later maturing Frame size Larger frame Smaller frame Headdiameter Increased head diameter Decreased head diameter Rib smoothnessSmoother rib Less smooth rib Head weight Increased weight Decreasedweight

Table 5B below compares characteristics of lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’with the lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’ (PVP Certificate No. 201100043)and the lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’ (PVP Certificate No. 980023).Column 1 lists the characteristics, column 2 shows the characteristicsfor lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’, column 3 shows the characteristics forlettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’, and column 4 shows the characteristicsfor lettuce variety ‘Headmaster’.

TABLE 5B Characteristic ‘Uppercut’ ‘Thunderhead’ ‘Headmaster’ Spread offrame 49.8 cm 47.9 cm 49.7 cm leaves Head weight 684.6 g 611.3g 501.7 gHead diameter 145.1 mm 138.2 mm 136.2 mm (market trimmed with single capleaf) Core diameter at 32.3 mm 32.3 mm 29.9 mm base of head Core heightfrom 37.1 mm 32 mm 24.6 mm base of head to apex Ratio of head 4.5 4.34.6 diameter/core diameter Color of mature 5GY 5/8 5GY 5/8 5GY 4/8 outerleaves (Munsell)

Tables 6A-6C below show results of a first trial that compares the headweight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ (Table 6A) with those of 20plants of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’ (Table 6B) and 20 plants ofvariety ‘Headmaster’ (Table 6C).

TABLE 6A Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Uppercut’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 905 g 164 mm 47 mm 39 mm 61 cm Min 550 g 138 mm 25mm 32 mm 51 cm Average 733.75 g 150.95 mm 36.05 mm 35.25 mm 55.2 cm Std.Dev 116.58 8.99 5.17 1.71 2.49

TABLE 6B Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Thunderhead’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 860 g 167 mm 35 mm 41 mm 59 cm Min 395 g 110 mm 23mm 30 mm 45.5 cm Average 582.5 g 140.2 mm 28.25 mm 34.3 mm 52.9 cm Std.Dev 114.38 13.63 2.92 2.43 3.20

TABLE 6C Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Headmaster’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 720 g 169 mm 31 mm 36 mm 59.5 cm Min 470 g 123 mm23 mm 27 mm 48.5 cm Average 570.05 g 144.95 mm 25.8 mm 32.65 mm 53.375cm Std. Dev 74.04 14.04 2.57 2.13 2.64

Tables 6D-6F below show results of a second trial that compares the headweight, head diameter, core length, core diameter, and frame diameter of20 plants of the lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ (Table 6D) with those of 20plants of lettuce variety ‘Thunderhead’ (Table 6E) and 20 plants ofvariety ‘Headmaster’ (Table 6F).

TABLE 6D Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Uppercut’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 830 g 155 mm 48 mm 34 mm 46 cm Min 380 g ill mm 28mm 26 mm 43 cm Average 635.5 g 139.3 mm 38.2 mm 29.35 mm 44.325 cm Std.Dev 113.81 10.51 5.56 2.01 1.00

TABLE 6E Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Thunderhead’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 825 g 150 mm 45 mm 35 mm 46 cm Min 485 g 125 mm 25mm 26 mm 40 cm Average 640 g 136.15 mm 35.75 mm 30.3 mm 43.025 cm Std.Dev 103.83 6.96 5.85 2.56 1.63

TABLE 6F Head Head Core Core Frame ‘Headmaster’ Wt. Diameter LengthDiameter Diameter Max 610g 155 mm 39 mm 31 mm 48 cm Min 245 g 105 mm 18mm 21 mm 44 cm Average 433.25 g 127.45 mm 23.3 mm 27.25 mm 46.075 cmStd. Dev 103.91 14.48 4.50 2.63 1.15

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of thevarieties ‘Uppercut’, ‘Thunderhead’, and ‘Headmaster’, depicted in FIGS.6A-6R.

Further Embodiments

Breeding

In lettuce breeding, lines are selected for their appropriatecharacteristics. For example, one line may be selected for bolttolerance in the fall growing conditions of the desert productionlocations of California and Arizona. Another line may be selected forthe size, color, and texture of the lettuce head. Crosses are made, forexample, to produce a dark green, sure heading iceberg lettuce withimproved texture, and size for fall plantings in Yuma, Ariz. and theSalinas Valley, Calif.

To optimize crossing, it is important to note that lettuce is anobligate self-pollinating species. This means that the pollen is shedbefore stigma emergence, assuring 100% self-fertilization. Since eachlettuce flower is an aggregate of about 10-20 individual florets(typical of the Compositae family), manual removal of the anther tubescontaining the pollen is performed by procedures well known in the artof lettuce breeding.

The manual removal of anther tubes, though an effective means to ensurethe removal of all self pollinating possibilities, is very tedious andtime consuming when a large number of crosses are to be made. Thebreeders have therefore adapted a well documented and modified method ofmaking crosses more efficiently using these methods. This particularcross was made by first misting the designated male flowers to wash thepollen off prior to fertilization. This process of misting is a provenand effective means of pollen removal that assures crossing orhybridization. About 60-90 minutes past sunrise, flowers to be used forcrossings are selected. The basis for selection are open flowers, withthe stigma emerged and the pollen visibly attached to the single stigma(about 10-20 stigma). Using 3-4 pumps of water from a regular spraybottle, the pollen is washed off with enough pressure to dislodge thepollen grains, but not enough to damage the style. Excess water is driedoff with clean paper towels. About 30 minutes later, the styles shouldspring back up and the two lobes of the stigma are visibly open in a “V”shape. Pollen from another variety or donor parent is then introduced bygently rubbing the stigma and style of the donor parent to the maternalparent. Tags with the pertinent information on date and pedigree arethen secured to the flowers in order to keep track.

About 2-3 weeks after pollination, seeds are harvested when theinvolucre have matured. The seeds are eventually sown and in thepresence of markers such as leaf color or leaf margins, the selfed ormaternal seedlings or plants are identified. Generally, there are novisible markers and breeders must wait until the F₂ generations whenexpected segregation patterns for the genetic character of interest canbe followed. This latter situation mandates a lengthy wait to determineif hybrids are produced. Two relevant references teaching methods forout crossing lettuce are: (1) Ryder, E. J. and A. S. Johnson. 1974. Mistdepollination of lettuce flowers. Hortscience 9:584; and (2) Nagata, R.T. 1992. Clip and Wash Method of Emasculation for Lettuce. Hortscience27(8):907-908 both of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety for the purpose of providing details on the techniqueswell known in the art.

Selection

In addition to crossing, selection may be used to identify and isolatenew lettuce lines. In lettuce selection, lettuce seeds are planted, theplants are grown and single plant selections are made of plants withdesired characteristics. Such characteristics may include improved headand frame size, deeper or darker green leaf color, etc. Seed from thesingle plant selections are harvested, separated from seeds of the otherplants in the field and re-planted. The plants from the selected seedare monitored to determine if they exhibit the desired characteristicsof the originally selected line. Selection work is continued overmultiple generations to increase the uniformity of the new line.

DEPOSIT INFORMATION Lettuce Variety ‘Dark Horse’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ is maintained by PinnacleSeed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672, Carmel, Calif. 93923,United States of America. Access to this deposit will be availableduring the pendency of this application to persons determined by theCommissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in thisapplication, all restrictions on the availability to the public of thevariety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit ofat least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the BudapestTreaty in the American Type Culture Collection, (ATCC), ATCC PatentDepository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Dark Horse’ was deposited on (DATE) according tothe Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), ATCCPatent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110,USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X1. Access to thisdeposit will be available during the pendency of this application topersons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to beentitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Uponallowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on theavailability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a publicdepository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years afterthe most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for theeffective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replacedif a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Lettuce Variety ‘Hotshot’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ is maintained by PinnacleSeed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672, Carmel, Calif. 93923,United States of America. Access to this deposit will be availableduring the pendency of this application to persons determined by theCommissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in thisapplication, all restrictions on the availability to the public of thevariety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit ofat least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the BudapestTreaty in the American Type Culture Collection, (ATCC), ATCC PatentDepository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Hotshot’ was deposited on (DATE) according to theBudapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), ATCCPatent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110,USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X2. Access to thisdeposit will be available during the pendency of this application topersons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to beentitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Uponallowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on theavailability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a publicdepository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years afterthe most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for theeffective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replacedif a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Lettuce Variety ‘Uppercut’

A deposit of the lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ is maintained by PinnacleSeed, Inc., having an address of P.O. Box 222672, Carmel, Calif. 93923,United States of America. Access to this deposit will be availableduring the pendency of this application to persons determined by theCommissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in thisapplication, all restrictions on the availability to the public of thevariety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit ofat least 2,500 seeds of the same variety made according to the BudapestTreaty in the American Type Culture Collection, (ATCC), ATCC PatentDepository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110, USA.

The lettuce variety ‘Uppercut’ was deposited on (DATE) according to theBudapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), ATCCPatent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110,USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X3. Access to thisdeposit will be available during the pendency of this application topersons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to beentitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Uponallowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on theavailability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a publicdepository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years afterthe most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for theeffective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replacedif a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

1. A Lactuca sativa seed designated as ‘Uppercut’, representative sampleof seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number X3.
 2. ALactuca sativa plant produced by growing the seed of claim
 1. 3. A plantpart from the plant of claim
 2. 4. The plant part of claim 3, whereinsaid part is a head, a leaf, or a portion thereof.
 5. The plant part ofclaim 4, wherein said part is a head.
 6. A Lactuca sativa plant havingall the physiological and morphological characteristics of the Lactucasativa plant of claim
 2. 7. A plant part from the plant of claim
 6. 8.The plant part of claim 7, wherein said part is a head, a leaf, or aportion thereof.
 9. The plant part of claim 8, wherein said part is ahead.
 10. An F₁ hybrid Lactuca sativa plant having ‘Uppercut’ as aparent where ‘Uppercut’ is grown from the seed of claim
 1. 11. A pollengrain or an ovule of the plant of claim
 2. 12. A tissue culture of theplant of claim
 2. 13. A Lactuca sativa plant regenerated from the tissueculture of claim 12, wherein the plant has all of the morphological andphysiological characteristics of a lettuce plant produced by growingseed designated as ‘Uppercut’, representative sample of seed having beendeposited under ATCC Accession Number X3.
 14. A method of making Lactucasativa seeds, said method comprising crossing the plant of claim 2 withanother lettuce plant and harvesting seed therefrom.
 15. A method ofselecting Lactuca sativa, comprising: a) growing more than one plantfrom the seed of claim 1; and b) selecting a plant from step a).
 16. ALactuca sativa plant selected by the method of claim
 15. 17. A Lactucasativa seed produced from the Lactuca sativa plant of claim 16.